Francis Meets with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

Humanitarian Emergencies and Human Trafficking Among Themes Discussed

Pope Francis met today with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon along with his wife and members of his entourage at the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican. Secretary-General Ban also met with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State, along with Archbishop Antoine Camilleri, under-Secretary for the Holy See’s Relations with States.

According to a communique released by the Holy See, the traditional meeting of Popes with the various UN Secretaries-General “hopes to express the appreciation that the Holy See has for that Organization’s central role in the preservation of peace in the world, in the promotion of the common good of humanity, and in the defence of fundamental human rights.”

“During the course of the cordial conversations, issues of mutual interest were discussed, in particular: situations of conflict and serious humanitarian emergency, especially in Syria and other places such as the Korean peninsula and the African continent, where peace and stability are threatened,” the communique stated.

Also noted in the meeting were the problems regarding human trafficking, particularly that of women, migrants and refugees.” Secretary General Ban Ki-moon outlined the project for his second term, which will focus on “conflict prevention, international solidarity, and equitable and sustainable economic development.”

“Pope Francis also recalled the Catholic Church’s contribution, beginning with her identity and through the means proper to her, in support of the entirety of human dignity and in promoting a Culture of Encounter that helps to realize the UN’s highest institutional goals,” the communique stated.